After the verdict was returned, Detective Constable Katy Lewis said: "This was a horrific attack on a woman which came completely out of the blue, shocking Sarah herself and the close community in Shoreham.

A bag of clothes was dumped at the side of the road. Photo: Sussex Police

"There was no history of violence from Liam and Sarah was truly shocked by ferocious nature of the attack.

"Sarah has thankfully made a recovery however the scars and some of her injuries will have an impact on her for the rest of her life.

"She has bravely taken to the stand during the trial and faced Liam once again; I commend her for this and so grateful she is here to do so."

CCTV footage

On Tuesday, September 4, Hanley and Sarah, 37, who had been in an on-off relationship for around a year, had spent the day together in Shoreham where Sarah lived, a police spokesman said.

While piecing together the events of the day, officers traced CCTV which showed the couple together in the town.